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Effects of an app-based sensorimotor training in promoting neuroplasticity and neuropsychological functioning in frailty: a randomized controlled trial

Background - Loss of sensorimotor stimulation and maladaptive plastic changes of the brain may play a major role in problematic aging phenomena such as frailty. However, it is not clear if interventions specifically targeting neuroplasticity can reverse or slow the development of frailty. - Objectiv...

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Main Authors: Beier, Florian (Author) , Löffler, Martin (Author) , Nees, Frauke (Author) , Bekrater-Bodmann, Robin (Author) , Silvoni, Stefano (Author) , Desch, Simon (Author) , Löffler, Annette (Author) , Hausner, Lucrezia (Author) , Frölich, Lutz (Author) , Flor, Herta (Author)
Format: Article (Journal)
Language:English
Published: December 2023
In: Archives of gerontology and geriatrics
Year: 2023, Volume: 115, Pages: 1-13
ISSN:1872-6976
DOI:10.1016/j.archger.2023.105202
Online Access:Verlag, lizenzpflichtig, Volltext: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archger.2023.105202
Verlag, lizenzpflichtig, Volltext: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167494323002807
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Author Notes:Florian Beier, Martin Löffler, Frauke Nees, Robin Bekrater-Bodmann, Stefano Silvoni, Simon Desch, Annette Löffler, Lucrezia Hausner, Lutz Frölich, Herta Flor
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Summary:Background - Loss of sensorimotor stimulation and maladaptive plastic changes of the brain may play a major role in problematic aging phenomena such as frailty. However, it is not clear if interventions specifically targeting neuroplasticity can reverse or slow the development of frailty. - Objectives - We compared the effect of a tablet-based neuroplasticity-oriented sensorimotor training (experimental group, EG) and a tablet-based relaxation training (control group, CG) on frailty and sensorimotor brain function. - Methods - Interventions consisted of daily 30 min sessions distributed over 90 days. Assessments took place at baseline, after 60 days, and after 90 days. A total of N = 48 frail older adults (EG: n = 24; CG: n = 24) were assigned to the two groups and reassessed after 60 days. Primary outcomes included frailty phenotype (FP) and frailty index (FI). Sensorimotor brain activity was evaluated using functional magnetic resonance imaging and single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation. - Results - After 60 days of training, both groups showed a reduction in the number of FP criteria (p < 0.001) with a trend towards a significant time-by-group interaction (p = 0.058) indicating a stronger reduction of frailty in the EG (p < 0.001) compared to the CG (p = 0.039). In addition, pain was significantly reduced in the EG but not the CG. No significant effects were found for measures of brain function. - Discussion - We provided initial evidence that a neuroplasticity-oriented sensorimotor training could be beneficial in counteracting frailty as well as chronic pain. Further studies are needed to determine the potentially underlying neuroplastic mechanisms and the influence of plasticity-related biomarkers as well as their clinical significance. - Trial registration - ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03666039 (registered 11 September 2018).
Item Description:Gesehen am 27.02.2024
Physical Description:Online Resource
ISSN:1872-6976
DOI:10.1016/j.archger.2023.105202

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